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State could get rewards for watchdogs

The state would get extra federal money by passing a bill protecting people who turn in companies defrauding the government under a new bill.

Also, the watchdog himself would get a financial benefit, a percent of the recovered money.

Rep. Andrew Falk, DFL-Murdock, said in this time of a budget deficit, every dollar that can be recovered should be sought.

Attorney Brian Wojtalewicz of Appleton, who also has an Alexandria office, said there are about 200 federal cases nationwide dealing with the government being defrauded. He said Minnesota probably is defrauded out of millions of dollars.

The watchdog bill is designed to influence private company employees who know their firm is committing fraud to turn in their employers.